Reta Miriam Fowler (nee Austin) died on December 9th, 2015 in her home among her family in Victoria, BC. Reta was born in Toronto, Ontario on July 20,1928 to Estelle and Robert Austin. She grew up there and attended secretarial school. She was very active in music and was a soprano in a professional young women’s chorale group. She continued to sing solos throughout most of her life. Reta and her family moved to California for a short time and returned to Toronto where she met Paul Fowler. They were married on September 10th, 1948, settled in Red Deer, Alberta, and raised four children.
Working for the Alberta government for over 38 years as a medical and executive secretary, Reta excelled in her organizational skills by managing a busy life with work, home, and an active church life.
Reta and her husband Paul retired from Edmonton to Victoria, BC. in 1990.
Reta was predeceased by her husband Paul Fowler, both her siblings Robert Austin and Donald Austin, and her grandson, Kieran Bruce. She is survived by her four children: Leah Fowler (Wendy Donawa), Timothy (Kathy) Fowler , Peter (Jody) Fowler, and Neva (Rob) Bruce; her grandchildren: Matthew (Celeste) Fowler, Joshua (Cherise) Fowler, Jeremy Fowler, Caleb Fowler, Connor Bruce, and two great grand children, Kyla Ann Fowler, and Luke Fowler.
Reta enjoyed fashion, singing, entertaining, skating, alpine skiing, and bible study groups. She has always been a regular participant in her church, but most of all, she was a consummate and generous friend to many.
Friends are invited to join in a celebration of life on December 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at The Victoria Church of the Nazarene, 4277 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Compassionate Resource Warehouse.
McCall’s Funeral Home
-
Karen Petersen
-
Nancy Austin Leah, Neva, Tim and Peter,
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was such an exceptional and gracious person and will be sorely missed. Words cannot really express the depth of such a loss, but know that you carry her in your hearts moving forward.
-
Andrew Long We were so pleased to finally meet your mom just a few days before her passing. Our boys, Brandon and Alex, lit a candle for her that night in her house and said a prayer for her. All the neighbors speak so fondly of your parents and I know your mom will be missed. All the best from our family to yours, The Long Family.
-
Sandy Austin Leah, Tim, Peter and Neva our thoughts are with you today. We have fond memories of your mother and father and although our last visit was brief we are so glad we had it.
Our loving thoughts.
Don and Sandy Austin.
-
Ruth James and Family Dear Leah, Tim, Neva,Peter and Family, We are thinking about your Family ,at this time, and remembering you in our prayers.
Love Aunty Ruth and Family
-
Monica and Greg Yeats Dear Tim and Kathy;
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Be comforted knowing that she will celebrate Christmas in heaven this year.
Take care, Monica and Greg Yeats
-
Howard & Jean Davey We offer our sincere condolence’s to the family of Rita Fowler. You should know that both Rita and Paul touched our lives greatly over the years in Victoria. They were fine neighbor’s and good friends. Truly, what a joy it was to talk to Rita, no matter what occasion. She was dedicated to family and friends, wanting the best for all of us.
Rita, we are better persons in life and will always cherish having you as such a friend. You now join Paul again and Jean and I will always be grateful for our past association. God Bless!
Howard & Jean Davey
-
Melodie Rollins Will forever miss my sweet Auntie Reta. Her strength, determination, endless optimism, and deep faith have made a huge impact on me personally. If I can be remembered as I remember her, I will be happy.
-
Pat Zonneveld(Bagu) our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
-
Gail Bartle Good-bye sweet friend. You are sitting now at the feet of Jesus, singing His praise as you loved to do. You are, and will be missed here!
My sympathies to all your family who remain. She was a wonderful, gentle person!
-
Elsbeth Andersen Leah, Timothy, Peter and Neva & Family,
We were very saddened to hear that Aunt Rita had passed away. We will remember her fondly as she visited us with Paul. She will be sadly missed by everyone she touched. When my Dad was alive he always enjoyed driving from California to Victoria to visit her and Paul. He was excited to taste her home cooking, see his sister and talk about about old times I’m sure. Our sincere condolences.Elsbeth & John Andersen
-
Valerie Friesen Thinking of Reta’s family at this time. I have such good memories of your mom, dad, and you kids, growing up together in Red Deer and I know my dad worked along side Reta for years with the Alberta Government. Sorry for your loss. It’s not easy to loose a mom.
Love Val Friesen, Marie Friesen, Surrey, BC
-
Dale & Majella Russell Tim ,Kathy & Family
Just saw in the Advocate the obituaries of your mom. Please accept our deepest sympathies and condolences for your loss.
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Reta’s family. I had met Reta over 14 years ago and I had the pleasure of sitting and chatting with her when we had the time. She was lovely in every way. Such a loss for family and friends.